Knitted goal shot training systems and devices

ABSTRACT

Goal shot training systems and devices comprise a training covering having a top edge, a bottom edge, and side edges. The devices are configured to obscure a net of a goal, and the covering is composed of a knit material defining multiple openings such that air passes through the covering. The covering material creates negative viewing space by obscuring visual access behind the training covering and forms at least one user-configurable opening that allows visual access of positive viewing space including a portion of the net of the goal when the covering is affixed to the goal. A user may configure the covering to practice shots originating from different positions on a playing area by adjusting the location of the covering relative to the net of the goal.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority toU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/313,925, filed Dec. 7, 2011, thecontents of which are expressly incorporated by reference herein, whichis a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser.No. 12/876,017, filed Sep. 3, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,079,923, thecontents of which are expressly incorporated by reference herein, whichapplication is a divisional application of and claims priority of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/781,123, filed Jul. 20, 2007, now U.S.Pat. No. 7,811,184, the contents of which are expressly incorporated byreference herein, which application claims the priority of U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/807,913, filed Jul. 20, 2006entitled “Goal Shot Training System and Methods,” the contents of whichare expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The following disclosure relates to goal shot training systems anddevices.

BACKGROUND

There are many different sports which involve shooting a ball, puck, orother object into a goal to score points. Such sports, including, butnot limited to, soccer, hockey, lacrosse, and water polo, are often bigbusiness on the professional and collegiate levels. Accordingly,training players of these sports to improve their skills in scoringgoals can be very important to the success of the teams and to thesports businesses' bottom lines.

One way to improve a player's goal shooting ability is to practiceshooting with some form of goal training device attached to a goal. Suchgoal training devices provide targets to aim for and/or a goal coverthat rebounds the ball, puck, or other object back to the player so heor she can practice repeated shots. However, most existing goal trainingdevices do not provide a critical feature that is proven to improve aplayer's goal shooting ability, i.e., a sufficient visual distinctionbetween the training device and the net of the goal.

This visual distinction, manifested in negative viewing space—a color orvisual appearance darker than the net so as to obscure the net—and oneor more positive viewing spaces—spaces through which the net is easilyvisible in contrast to the negative viewing space—is very effective intraining a player to shoot the ball, puck, or other object at areas ofthe goal where scoring is more likely. Thus, there is a need for a goaltraining device that provides a visual distinction using negative andpositive viewing spaces.

Another disadvantage of existing goal training devices is that they needa large amount of durable material to extend across the net andeffectively rebound the ball, puck, or other object. Thus, the devicescan be expensive to manufacture and have a high price point as a result.Therefore, there is a need for a goal training device that is made ofless material so it is cheaper to manufacture, yet maintains gooddurability.

Many of the aforementioned sports are played outside and are thereforesubject to the elements, particularly wind. Another disadvantage ofexisting goal training devices, even those that utilize positive andnegative viewing spaces, is that the solid material used for a goalcover is blown by wind and therefore does not maintain its originalposition in windy conditions. Thus, there is a need for a goal trainingdevice that maintains its position in windy conditions.

Accordingly, there is a need for a goal training device that provides avisual distinction using negative and positive viewing spaces. There isalso a need for a goal training device that is made of less material soit is cheaper to manufacture, yet maintains good durability. Finally,there is a need for a goal training device that maintains its positionin windy conditions. In sum, there is a need for a goal training devicethat uses negative and positive viewing space to provide a sufficientvisual distinction between the device and the net of the goal while alsousing less material and maintaining its position in windy conditions.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure, in its many embodiments, alleviates to a greatextent the disadvantages of known goal training devices by providinggoal shot training systems and devices wherein a covering is composed ofa knit material defining multiple openings such that air passes throughthe covering and the covering creates negative space by obscuring visualaccess behind the training covering and allows visual access of positivespace including a portion of the net of the goal. Disclosed devices,systems and methods advantageously use negative and positive space toprovide a sufficient visual distinction between the device and the netof the goal while also using less material and maintaining the positionof the device in windy conditions. Such devices and systems are used tocondition soccer players to make shots at the goal with an improvedlikelihood of scoring by teaching the soccer players to aim towards theareas of the goal where shots are more likely to score.

Exemplary embodiments of a goal shot training device comprise a trainingcovering having a top edge, a bottom edge, and side edges. The coveringis configured to obscure a net of a goal and is composed of a knitmaterial defining multiple openings such that air passes through thecovering. The knit material creates negative space by obscuring visualaccess behind the training covering and forms at least oneuser-configurable opening that allows visual access of positive viewingspace including a portion of the net of the goal when the covering isaffixed to the goal. A user may configure the covering to practice shotsoriginating from different positions on a playing area by adjusting thelocation of the covering relative to the net of the goal.

In exemplary embodiments, the training device further comprises a bandof brightly colored material running between at least one side edge anda top or bottom edge of the covering. The covering may be translucentand/or the knit material may be opaque. The covering may also comprisean attachment mechanism configured to be affixed around a top bar of agoal and hold the training cover in place relative to the goal. Inexemplary embodiments, the covering is substantially cross-shaped, andthe cross shape may have a body that extends substantially from theground to a crossbar of the goal and a pair of side extensions extendinglaterally from the body. The openings of the covering may benon-square-shaped and may be substantially teardrop-shaped.

Exemplary embodiments of a goal shooting training system in combinationwith a goal comprise a goal cover adapted to be used in combination witha goal having two upright posts of equal height, a crossbar having twoendpoints, each endpoint terminating at each upright post respectively,and a net affixed to the goal. The crossbar is parallel to the ground ata height equal to the height of the posts. The goal cover has a topedge, a bottom edge, and side edges and is configured to obscure a netof a soccer goal. The goal cover is composed of a knit material definingmultiple openings such that air passes through the goal cover.

In exemplary embodiments, the goal cover obscures a majority of the netfrom view from a playing area, and the knit material is of a color thatcreates a visual contrast with a minority portion of the net that isviewable from a playing area. The user may configure the goal cover suchthat the viewable minority portion consists of one or more of: anopening between the one or more edges of the goal cover and an uprightpost, an opening between the one or more edges and the crossbar, or anopening between the one or more edges and the ground.

The goal cover can be configured for shots originating substantiallydirectly in front of the goal consisting of positioning the body andarms of the goal cover whereby the covering obscures the net except foropenings at the top right corner, the top left corner, the bottom rightcorner, and the bottom left corner of the goal. The goal cover can alsobe configured for shots originating at a penalty kick positionconsisting of positioning the goal cover such that it obscures the netexcept for a pair of openings are created along each post from theground to the cross bar. In addition, the goal cover can be configuredfor shooting shots from the side of the field consisting of positioningthe goal cover such that it obscures the net except for an openingcreated along the post furthest from the origin of the shot, the openingbeing from the ground to the cross bar.

In exemplary embodiments, the goal cover is substantially cross-shaped,and the cross shape has a body that extends substantially from theground to the crossbar and a pair of arms extending laterally from thebody. The openings of the goal cover may be non-square-shaped and may besubstantially teardrop-shaped. The goal cover may be translucent and/orthe knit material may be opaque. In exemplary embodiments, the goalshooting training system further comprises a band of brightly coloredmaterial running between at least one side edge and a top or bottom edgeof the covering. In exemplary embodiments, the goal cover maintains itsoriginal position in windy conditions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned features and objects of the present disclosure willbecome more apparent with reference to the following description takenin conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like referencenumerals denote like elements and in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a goal shottraining system in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a goal shottraining system in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a goal shottraining system in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a goal shottraining system in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a front view of an embodiment of a goal shot training systemin accordance with the present disclosure;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are perspective views of an exemplary embodiment of amethod for connecting a goal shot training device to a goal inaccordance with the present disclosure;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are perspective views of an exemplary embodiment of amethod for connecting a soccer goal training device to a goal inaccordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a method forconnecting a soccer goal shot training device to a goal in accordancewith the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a goal shottraining system in accordance with the present disclosure where a goalcover side extension is in a retracted position;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of astabilization system for a goal shot training system in accordance withthe present disclosure when a goal cover side extension is in aretracted position;

FIG. 11 is a detail view of an exemplary embodiment of a trainingcovering in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 12A is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of anattachment mechanism in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 12B is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of anattachment mechanism in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a goal shottraining system in accordance with the present disclosure; and

FIG. 14 is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a goal shottraining system in accordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure,reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which like referencesindicate similar elements, and in which is shown by way of illustrationspecific embodiments in which disclosed systems and devices may bepracticed. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail toenable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments, and it isto be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and thatlogical, mechanical, functional, and other changes may be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the present disclosure. The followingdetailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense,and the scope of the present disclosure is defined only by the appendedclaims. As used in the present disclosure, the term “or” shall beunderstood to be defined as a logical disjunction and shall not indicatean exclusive disjunction.

The term “negative viewing space” as used in this application refers toa color or visual appearance darker than the net so as to obscure thenet from view by a player using disclosed embodiments of goal shottraining systems and devices. The term “positive viewing space” as usedin this application refers to a region of a goal that a player aims forwhen shooting and can see as spaces through which the net is easilyvisible in contrast to the negative viewing space.

Players of soccer, lacrosse, water polo, hockey and other sports trainwith the end goal of scoring goals by moving a ball, puck or otherobject into a goal. The goal is a target defined by two posts and across bar connecting the posts. The posts of a regulation soccer goalare 24 feet apart, and the cross bar is 8 feet high. Typically, a net ishung behind the goal to stop the ball and more easily determine when agoal is scored.

Soccer players, with the exception of the goalkeeper, may use any partof their body except for their arms and hands to move the ball towardsthe goal. The goalkeeper comprises the last defense and may use any partof their body, including their arms and hands, to prevent the opposingplayers from scoring a goal. The goalkeeper is positioned in front ofthe goal and presents an obstacle that opposing players must overcome.

Under most circumstances, the ball is moved into the goal by kicking theball or by striking the ball with the head—“heading the ball.” Soccerplayers develop the ability to precisely shoot the ball though the goal.In order to strike the ball with precision and hard enough to evade thegoalkeeper, the players often “set up the shot.” To set up the shot, theplayer looks up to the goal to aim the shot and decide how the ball willbe struck. Thereafter, the soccer player looks down at the ballimmediately prior to kicking it to accurately strike the ball, allowingthe player to vary the spin and vertical elevation of the shot. Theentire process may take less than a second. Thus, most of the“decisions” involved in setting up the shot are instinctive as a resultof long hours of practice.

The process of looking up and taking aim occurs in a relatively shortperiod of time. Players must therefore train to rapidly recognize andmake adjustments to their shots in short time periods of often less thana second. Players' eyes tend to be attracted first to the movement ofthe goalkeeper after setting up the shot. Because players tend to shootthe soccer ball at the first object they see in the goal area, they tendto shoot the ball directly at the goalkeeper, the area where the playeris least likely to score a goal. However, if soccer players are trainedto first see a different part of the goal where the likelihood ofscoring is increased, the players will have a better likelihood ofscoring. For example, if a soccer player trains to see to the corners ofthe goal first after setting up the shot, rather than seeing thegoalkeeper first, the likelihood of scoring a goal is greatly increased.Thus, a new method of training soccer players is needed, which helpscondition players to see a higher likelihood of scoring areas of thegoal first and to shoot at these areas.

The present disclosure is designed to train soccer players to see partsof the goal in which the player is most likely to score. The systems andmethods of the present disclosure deemphasize the areas covered by thegoalkeeper using negative viewing spaces and emphasize the areas inwhich players are most likely to score goals using positive viewingspaces. Consequently, when a soccer player looks up to the goal aftersetting up the shot, the players become conditioned to see the areasmost likely to score a goal and will consequently shoot the ball towardsthose areas rather than at the goalkeeper.

An exemplary embodiment of a goal shot training device or trainingsystem is shown in FIG. 1. Goal shot training device 200 comprises agoal cover or training covering 205. The training covering 205 has a topedge 290, a bottom edge 292, and first and second side edges 294, 296.The training covering may be made of a knit material 298. The knitmaterial 298 may be a cloth (such as canvas), vinyl, polypropylene,polyethylene, or could be any natural or synthetic textile orcombination thereof including, but not limited to, plant-based textilessuch as grass, rush, hemp, or sisal, mineral-based textiles such asasbestos, basalt fibre, glass fibre, metal fibre, metal foil, or metalwire, and/or synthetic textiles such as polyester fibre, aramid fibre,acrylic, nylon, spandex, olefin fibre, ingeo, lurex, or carbon fibre orany other material that can be knit into a covering defining openingsand is able to withstand the impact of soccer balls without tearing orbecoming dislodged. In exemplary embodiments, the knit material 298 issubstantially opaque to effectively create negative viewing spaces 220that obscure the net of the goal.

As best seen in FIG. 11, the knit material 298 of the training covering205 defines multiple openings 300. The openings 300 are sized and shapedso they do not blend in with the typically square-shaped holes of netsof goals used in soccer, hockey, lacrosse, water polo, etc. Moreparticularly, exemplary openings 300 are not square-shaped so they canbe easily visually differentiated from the holes in most goal nets. Inexemplary embodiments, the openings 300 in the knit material 298 aresubstantially egg-shaped or teardrop-shaped, but the openings may be anydesired shape so long as the shape differs enough from that of the holesof the net of the goal being used to provide a visual distinctionbetween the training covering 205 and the net.

The openings 300 in the knit material 298 may also vary in size and canbe any size so long as they allow air to pass through while maintaininga sufficient visual distinction between the training covering 205 andthe net of goal being used. In exemplary embodiments, the openings 300are up to about ¼ inch in length or height and up to about ⅛ inch wide,dimensions significantly smaller than, e.g., soccer goal nets, whichtypically have holes that are 4×4 inches. However, the openings 300 inthe knit material 298 could be larger, up to about 3.8 inches by 3.8inches, so long as they are smaller than the openings of the net usedfor the goal such that they create visual distinction between thetraining covering 205 and the goal.

The knit material 298 and openings 300 therein provide a number ofadvantages. For instance, the openings 300 allow air to pass through sothe goal shot training device 200 maintains its original position whenused outdoors in windy conditions. With the multiple openings 300facilitating passage of the wind, the training covering 205 remainsrelatively still instead of flapping and moving around in the wind. Theknit material 298 is also strong and heavy enough to add rigidity,thereby enhancing the ability of the training covering 205 to maintainits original position in inclement weather. Moreover, due to theopenings 300, the knit material 298 creates a substantial degree ofvisual distinction with less material, thereby reducing manufacturingcosts.

Perhaps most importantly, the openings 300 are small enough such thatthere is enough surrounding knit material 298 to provide substantialcover area to obscure most of the goal and create a visual distinctionor contrast with a minority portion of the net viewable by a player froma playing area, i.e., to create negative viewing space. Moreparticularly, the training covering 205 creates both positive viewingspaces 210 and negative viewing spaces 220. These spaces are designed toattract the eye or repel the eye, respectively. In exemplaryembodiments, the effect of the knit material 298 and openings 300 is tomake the training covering 205 translucent. One important metric fordetermining the optimal size of the openings 300 to create positive 210and negative viewing spaces 220 is the percentage of light transmittedthrough the training covering 205. The percentage of light transmissionshould create a visual distinction between the training covering 205 andthe net of the goal behind it and could range from about 5% to about90%, with exemplary embodiments having a light transmission percentagebetween about 25% and 75%.

FIG. 1 also shows goal 100. Goal 100 comprises the target area of goal100 defined by two posts 120 connected by crossbar 110 on the top. Thesoccer end line comprises the bottom of the goal. Goal shot trainingdevice 200 is provided to condition players to shoot towards the mosteffective areas in goal 100. According to embodiments, goal cover 205 isconnected to crossbar 110. Goal cover 205 connects to goal shot trainingdevice connectors 230, which are installed on crossbar 110. Goal shottraining device connectors 230 comprise hooks and openings, for example.If hooks, goal cover 205 may have grommeted openings which may be placedover goal shot training device connector 230 and which correspondpositionally to the location of goal shot training device connector 230on crossbar 110. In an embodiment goal shot training device connector230 comprises openings. Ropes, cords, strings, hooks, wires, orequivalents may be inserted into the opening. The ropes, cords, strings,hooks, wires, or equivalents are also connected to goal cover 205, aswould be known to a person of ordinary skill in the art for the purposeof hanging a curtain-like structure. Other connection methods, such aswith rope weaving or lashing are common in the art and known to a personof ordinary skill in the art.

According to an embodiment, positive viewing spaces 210 compriseopenings in goal cover 205. These openings allow both a soccer ball topass into the area behind the goal. More importantly, the openings allowthe soccer player to quickly locate an unobstructed target to aim for.That is, when a soccer player looks to goal 100 after setting up theshot, positive viewing spaces 210 are the goal areas in which the soccerplayer can see net 130. By training themselves to look for openings ingoal cover 205, soccer players become conditioned to look first for thehigh probability scoring areas of the goal after setting up the shot,which increases the likelihood of shooting the balls to those areas.Although negative viewing spaces 220 are generally intended to becovered, positive viewing spaces 210 may either be covered with apattern or color, such as a light color, that causes the player to lookfirst at the positive viewing space or form openings in goal cover 205through which a soccer ball may travel to simulate actually kicking ascoring shot.

Because goal shot training device 200 is placed very close to theimaginary plane the ball must cross to score a goal, use of goal shottraining device 200 conditions a player to aim at areas of the goalwhere a scoring shot is the likeliest. Moreover, as part of theconditioning process and when the positive viewing spaces 210 are open,the conditioning is reinforced by correctly placed shots actually“entering” the goal and stopped by the net. Conversely, when the shot isincorrectly placed, goal shot training device 200 stops the ball as ifan actual goal keeper had stopped the ball. The cumulative effectconditions the players to shoot for the spaces where the player is“rewarded” by kicking the ball past goal shot training device 200 andinto the goal as if a goal keeper were present. Thus, when goal shottraining device 200 is absent, the player will be preconditioned toshoot at the spots where they are most likely to score.

According to embodiments, positive viewing spaces 210 comprise auncovered, light, or bright colored areas of goal cover 205. Aftersetting up the shot, players will be instructed to look for light orbright spaces and shoot for those areas. Consequently, the players willbecome conditioned to shoot to the light or bright colored areas of goalshot training device 200, even when the goal shot training device 200 isnot in place.

Referring still to an exemplary embodiment represented in FIG. 1,negative viewing spaces 220 of goal shot training device 200, aredesigned to be deemphasized when a player looks to goal 100 aftersetting up a shot. De-emphasis of negative viewing spaces 220 conditionsplayers to first see positive viewing spaces 210 by instinct. Thus, thesoccer player will be less likely to shoot at negative viewing spaces220 and more inclined to initially see positive viewing spaces 210 andshoot to those areas. In embodiments, negative viewing spaces 220 aredarkly colored spaces. When a player looks to the goal after setting upthe shot, they will be trained to look for positive viewing spaces 210.Consequently, the player will become conditioned to avoid the negative,or dark colored, viewing spaces 220 altogether in favor of positive, orlight colored/open viewing spaces 210 when they look up to goal 100after setting up a shot in the absence of goal shot training device 200.

Moreover, according to embodiments, negative viewing spaces 220 may beshaped to imitate the range of a goalkeeper. For example, negativeviewing spaces 220 may be roughly cross-shaped to imitate the range overwhich a goalkeeper is likely to make a save. For example, goal cover 205comprises goal cover central portion 206 roughly imitating the range ofa goal keeper's body, and goal cover side extensions 207 roughlyimitating the range of a goal keeper's arms. Thus, soccer players whotrain with goal shot training device 200 will become conditioned toshoot to areas where the goalkeeper is less likely to stop shots,improving their chances for scoring a goal by aiming the ball to areasof the goal that have a higher likelihood of successfully passingthrough the goal.

According to embodiments shown in FIG. 2, goal shot training device 200may be positioned differently depending on the angle of the shot. When ashooter moves the ball to the right of the field and goal, for example,the goalkeeper typically shifts slightly to the shooter's right. Thekeeper's shift reflects the greater difficulty in shooting a ball to thefar post 120 versus shooting the ball to the near post 120. By shiftingpositions, the goalkeeper reduces likelihood of a scoring shot bycovering the areas comprising the easiest shots for the shooter over theentire area of goal 100.

To reflect the changed likelihood for scoring shots induced by thegoalkeeper's shift in position, goal shot training device 200 may bemodified, e.g., by repositioning, to reflect the changed shot successlikelihood circumstances induced by the goalkeeper's change in position,according to embodiments. When the shooting team moves the ball to theright side of the field, the goalkeeper moves to the right as well,creating a space in the left part of goal 100 that cannot be covered bythe keeper. Thus, goal shot training device 200 may be repositioned sothat the negative viewing spaces 220 would be positioned in the right ofthe goal, while creating additional positive spaces 210 in the left partof the goal where the goalkeeper cannot easily protect, as shown in FIG.2.

According to an embodiment, a portion of goal cover 205 may be hiddenbehind the remainder of goal cover to simulate the opening of additionalpositive viewing space 210 that would exist in the left part of goal 200when the shot comes from the right side of the field, as previouslydescribed. According to this embodiment, a portion of goal cover 205with negative viewing space 220 may be folded backwards and suspendedfrom the same goal shot training device connectors 230 as other portionsof goal cover 205. The net result “removes” a portion of goal cover 205containing a portion of negative viewing space 220. Thus, when shootingfrom the sides, shooters would be conditioned to shoot towards the farpost by conditioning themselves to look first at far post 120,corresponding to positive viewing spaces 210. The process is reversedfor shots from the left side of the soccer field.

The change in positive viewing spaces 210 reflecting the variations inlikelihood of successful shots at the goal, measured as a function ofwhere the ball is shot with respect to areas of the goal, may beaccomplished by shifting goal cover 205 according to an embodiment.Shifting goal cover 205 moves negative viewing spaces 220 to the rightfrom the shooter's perspective, creating additional positive viewingspace 210 in the left part of the goal. Thus, additional positiveviewing spaces 210 may be accomplished by shifting entire goal cover205, according to the exemplary embodiment.

According to an embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the teachings of the presentdisclosure may also be used to condition players to shoot specific typeshots. For example, FIG. 3 shows goal cover 205 where positive viewingspaces 210 exist only close to the ground. Using this embodiment,players with difficulty shooting low shots may train and conditionthemselves to shoot shots at goal 100 close to the ground. Other,similar embodiments, such as shooting for the top corners of the goalmay similarly be used and would be well known to a person of ordinaryskill in the art.

Similarly according to embodiments and as illustrated in FIG. 4, playersmay be conditioned to shoot at the far post of the goal by configuringgoal shot training device 200 to completely obscure one side of the goalthereby forcing the player to shoot at the opposite side. According tosimilar embodiments and as illustrated in FIG. 5, goal shot trainingdevice 200 may be deployed asymmetrically across the goal depending onthe specific training goals sought, as will be known and understood byartisans.

According to embodiments, assembly of goal shot training device 200 isaccomplished by inserting one or more supporting members and affixing toposts 120 and cross bar 110 of goal 100 with straps. According toembodiments shown in FIG. 6A, installation of goal shot training device200 is accomplished first by placing one or more supporting members 240,260 (see FIG. 8) into receivers 242 disposed in goal cover 205. Supportmembers 240, 260 comprise devices, such as poles, that provide increasedrigid structure to the goal shot training device 200. For example,collapsible fiberglass poles that are often used as tent poles may beused as support members 240, 260. Support members 240, 260 may bedisposed at the top, bottom, or along the vertical sides of goal covercentral portion 206 or goal cover side extension 207 sides, according toembodiments.

Receivers 242 comprise pockets configured to receive supporting members240. According to embodiments, receivers 242 are disposed across the topand bottom of goal cover 205. According to similar embodiments,receivers 242 are disposed across the top, bottom, and along thevertical sides of goal cover central portion 206.

According to embodiments for connecting goal shot training device 200,after supporting members 240 are disposed into receivers 242 along theportion of goal cover 205 that is to be connected to goal 100 crossbar110, goal cover 205 is connected to goal 100. One or more straps 250connect goal cover 205 to goal 100. To connect straps 250 to goal cover205, one or more connection openings 244 are disposed along receivers242, which exposes supporting member 240. Each strap 250 is threadedbetween supporting member 240 and goal cover 205 at least one connectionopening 244, as illustrated in FIG. 7A. Thereafter, strap is placedaround goal 100 crossbar 110; the loose end of strap 252, according toembodiments, is connected to strap connector 254 and tightened, wherebygoal cover 205 is firmly connected to goal 100.

According to embodiments, straps 250 are not connected to support member240 at bottom of goal cover 205. Similarly according to embodiments,straps may be pre-attached to goal cover side extensions 207 forconnection to side posts 120 of goal 100, or may be attached asdisclosed above.

As illustrated by embodiments in FIG. 8, support member 260 disposed inthe vertical portion of goal cover 205 is accomplished after connectionof goal shot training device 200 to goal 100. Insertion of supportmember 260 into receiver 242 is performed similarly as disclosed herein.

With reference to FIGS. 12A and 12B, another exemplary attachmentmechanism 310 is configured to be affixed around a top bar of a goal 100and hold the training cover 205 in place relative to the goal. Anexemplary attachment mechanism 310 includes a cord member 312 and alocking mechanism 314 slidably coupled to the cord member 312. Moreparticularly, the cord member 312 forms a ring with the ends of the cordmember inserted through the locking mechanism 314. Any type of cord andlocking mechanism could be used so long as the attachment mechanism canis strong enough to hold the goal shot training device 200 to the goal100. An exemplary attachment mechanism includes a ball locking mechanism314, a cylindrical locking mechanism 316, as shown in FIG. 12B, or anyother shaped component that can serve to lock the attachment mechanismto the goal posts as described herein.

In operation, the attachment mechanism 310 is inserted into openings inthe top of the goal shot training device 200 and is also connected toupper cross bar 110 of the goal and optionally side posts 120, as wouldbe known to a person of ordinary skill in the art for the purpose ofhanging a curtain-like structure. Locking mechanism 314 or 316 is thendrawn through the cord member 312 and the goal shot training device 200is allowed to hang down until the cord member 312 closes tightly aroundthe locking mechanism 314 or 316, thereby securing the goal shottraining device 200.

When goal cover side extensions 207 are not used, they may be storedbehind goal cover 205. To store the desired goal cover side extension207, it is rolled up towards the center of goal cover 205, asillustrated in FIG. 9. According to embodiments, there is shown goalcover 205 with goal cover side extension 207 in a retracted position. Toretract, goal cover side extension 207 is rolled up. Straps 250 areinserted through securing openings 270 in goal cover 205 and wrappedaround rolled up goal cover side extension 207 at one or more locations,according to embodiments. As illustrated in FIG. 9, two straps 250secure rolled up goal cover side extension 207. Strap connectors 254secure straps 250 thereby preventing goal cover side extension 207 fromunrolling.

When one or both goal cover side extensions 207 in a storedconfiguration, alternate securing devices may be used to secure goalshot training device 200 in a substantially fixed position relative togoal 100 (i.e., to overcome wind or the force of the ball kicked intogoal shot training device 200), according to embodiments. For exampleand as illustrated in FIG. 10, securing device 280 coupled to securingconnector 282 may be girth hitched 286 to securing opening 284 in goalcover 205. Securing device 280, according to embodiments, is animplement that is driven into the ground, such as a stake. Securingconnector 282 is, according to embodiments, rope, cord, or othersimilar, but elastomeric devices, such as bungee. According toembodiments, securing opening 284 may be placed in each lower cornerarea of goal cover central portion 206. goal shot training device 200may also be secured via rope, cord, bungee, and the like directly togoal posts 120, according to alternate embodiments.

Turning to FIGS. 13 and 14, an exemplary embodiment of a goal shottraining device 200 comprises a band 302 of material running along oneor more side edges 294, 296 of the training covering 205 and/or betweenside edges 294, 296 and top and bottom edges 290, 292. An exemplary band302 is made of material having a color that creates a significant visualdistinction with the dark color of the knit material 298. For instance,the band 302 of material may be brightly colored in green, yellow,orange or other colors. The band 302 may run along the side edges, 294,296 of the training covering 205, and/or may run between side edges 294,296 and top and bottom edges 290, 292. Multiple arrangements and layoutsof the colored band 302 are possible so long as the band creates asignificant visual distinction with the dark color of the knit material298. This distinction created by the band 302 advantageously attractsthe visual attention of the practicing player and enhances the trainingof the player. More particularly, the player sees the brightly coloredband 302 and is thus more likely to shoot the ball, puck or other objectto the positive viewing spaces 210.

The present disclosure also discloses a method of conditioning soccerplayers to improve their shooting and increase the likelihood ofsuccessful shots on goal 100. The method uses positive viewing spaces210 and negative viewing spaces 220 to condition players to shoottowards the areas of the goal 100 defined by the positive viewing spaces210. More specifically, goal shot training device 200 is provided. goalshot training device 200 includes both positive viewing spaces 210 andnegative viewing spaces 220, as previously described. Once installed ingoal 100, players set up and shoot soccer balls towards the goal, aimingat the positive viewing spaces 210. In embodiments, goal shot trainingdevice 200 is used over an extended time to condition the player to lookfirst to positive viewing spaces 210 of goal 100, even in the absence ofgoal shot training device 200. As players practice using goal shottraining device 200, they will become conditioned to shoot at the areasof goal 100 that are most likely to produce scores.

Moreover, the present disclosure teaches a business method forgenerating revenues. According to embodiments, goal shot training device200 may be produced for improving the skills of soccer players.Naturally, professional and semi-professional soccer clubs would value atraining system that would increase the number of goals scored. As thenumber of goals scored increases, the number of wins a team is likely toproduce will tend to increase, which will induce fans to attend gamesand purchase goods and services related to the soccer club. Thus,professional clubs stand to increase revenues by conditioning players toshoot first at the areas of the goal most likely to produce a scoringevent.

Moreover, according to the teachings of similar methods, providing goalshot training device's 200 to children and young adult soccer playerswould improve their skills and make them more likely to be selected forspecialized teams, play for college teams, earn scholarships, and toeventually become professional players. Thus, conditioning children andyoung adults to increase the likelihood of scoring goals using goal shottraining device 200 is an additional value imparted by the teachings ofthe present disclosure.

While the apparatus and method have been described in terms of what arepresently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments,it is to be understood that the disclosure need not be limited to thedisclosed embodiments. It is intended to cover various modifications andsimilar arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the claims,the scope of which should be accorded the broadest interpretation so asto encompass all such modifications and similar structures. The presentdisclosure includes any and all embodiments of the following claims.

Thus, it is seen that goal shot training systems, devices and methodsare provided. It should be understood that any of the foregoingconfigurations and specialized components or chemical compounds may beinterchangeably used with any of the systems of the precedingembodiments. Although illustrative embodiments are describedhereinabove, it will be evident to one skilled in the art that variouschanges and modifications may be made therein without departing from thedisclosure. It is intended in the appended claims to cover all suchchanges and modifications that fall within the true spirit and scope ofthe disclosure.

1. A goal shot training device comprising: a training covering having atop edge, a bottom edge, and side edges and being configured to obscurea net of a goal, the covering composed of a knit material definingmultiple openings such that air passes through the covering, thematerial creating negative space by obscuring visual access behind thetraining covering and forming at least one user-configurable openingthat allows visual access of positive space including a portion of thenet of the goal when the covering is affixed to the goal; wherein a usermay configure the covering to practice shots originating from differentpositions on a playing area by adjusting the location of the coveringrelative to the net of the goal.
 2. The training device of claim 1further comprising a band of brightly colored material running betweenat least one side edge and a top or bottom edge of the covering.
 3. Thetraining device of claim 1 wherein the covering is translucent.
 4. Thetraining device of claim 1 wherein the covering further comprises anattachment mechanism configured to be affixed around a top bar of a goaland hold the training cover in place relative to the goal.
 5. Thetraining device of claim 1 wherein the knit material is opaque.
 6. Thetraining device of claim 1 wherein the covering is substantiallycross-shaped.
 7. The training device of claim 6 wherein the cross shapehas a body that extends substantially from the ground to a crossbar ofthe goal and a pair of side extensions extending laterally from thebody.
 8. The training device of claim 7 wherein the openings arenon-square-shaped.
 9. The training device of claim 8 wherein theopenings are substantially teardrop-shaped.
 10. A goal shooting trainingsystem in combination with a goal, comprising: a goal cover adapted tobe used in combination with a goal having two upright posts of equalheight, a crossbar having two endpoints, each endpoint terminating ateach upright post respectively, and a net affixed to the goal, whereinthe crossbar is parallel to the ground at a height equal to the heightof the posts; the goal cover having a top edge, a bottom edge, and sideedges and being configured to obscure a net of a soccer goal, the goalcover composed of a knit material defining multiple openings such thatair passes through the goal cover, the goal cover obscuring a majorityof the net from view from a playing area, the knit material being of acolor that creates a visual contrast with a minority portion of the netthat is viewable from a playing area; wherein the user may configure thegoal cover such that the viewable minority portion consists of one ormore of: an opening between the one or more edges of the goal cover andan upright post, an opening between the one or more edges and thecrossbar, or an opening between the one or more edges and the ground.11. The goal shooting training system of claim 10 wherein the goal coveris substantially cross-shaped, the cross shape having a body thatextends substantially from the ground to the crossbar and a pair of armsextending laterally from the body.
 12. The goal shooting training systemof claim 11 wherein the openings are non-square-shaped.
 13. The goalshooting training system of claim 11 wherein the goal cover can beconfigured for shots originating substantially directly in front of thegoal consisting of positioning the body and arms of the goal coverwhereby the covering obscures the net except for openings at the topright corner, the top left corner, the bottom right corner, and thebottom left corner of the goal.
 14. The goal shooting training system ofclaim 10 wherein the goal cover can be configured for shots originatingat a penalty kick position consisting of positioning the goal cover suchthat it obscures the net except for a pair of openings are created alongeach post from the ground to the cross bar.
 15. The goal shootingtraining system of claim 10 wherein the goal cover can be configured forshooting shots from the side of the field consisting of positioning thegoal cover such that it obscures the net except for an opening createdalong the post furthest from the origin of the shot, the opening beingfrom the ground to the cross bar.
 16. The goal shooting training systemof claim 10 wherein the knit material is opaque.
 17. The goal shootingtraining system of claim 12 wherein the openings are substantiallyteardrop-shaped.
 18. The goal shooting training system of claim 10wherein the goal cover is translucent.
 19. The goal shooting trainingsystem of claim 10 further comprising a band of brightly coloredmaterial running between at least one side edge and a top or bottom edgeof the covering.
 20. The goal shooting training system of claim 10wherein the goal cover maintains its original position in windyconditions.